Best All Natural Deodorants
by Brandi Savitt - March 8, 2012
Why Avoiding Chemicals Is Worth the Price
You've probably noticed that at most major drugstores there are typically ZERO non-antiperspirant deodorant options for women - while the men's section offers at least 3-4. And you're also probably aware of all the reports suggesting potentially harmful links between aluminum (a major ingredient in antiperspirants) to breast cancer, and of course Alzheimer's disease - not to mention other terrifying chemicals found in deodorants, like parabens... So what's an educated consumer to do - especially when the social norm (and more importantly the consumer price point) still pushes women to use toxic chemicals to stop sweating and smelling? While none of us ladies want to smell bad, the health risks of using chemical laden deodorants and antiperspirants are just too great. So, we've done a little homework and gathered the info you need to know. From the most cost effective high-end organic brands to homemade deodorant recipes, we have the Fab & Fru stink on how to smell your best - the natural way!
Chemicals to Avoid & Why
It seems logical that rubbing chemicals on your pits may not be the healthiest choice - no matter what the chemists say. While the list of chemicals to avoid can be rather daunting, Naturalcosmetics.com has done a superb job summarizing a full list of nasty no-no's to look for when reading deodorant label. And the two top chemical compounds to watch out for are aluminum & parabens - here's why...
Aluminum
Aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants block the sweat glands to keep sweat from getting to the skin's surface. Some research has suggested that these aluminum compounds may be absorbed by the skin and cause changes in estrogen receptors of breast cells. Because estrogen can promote the growth of both cancer and non-cancer breast cells, some scientists have suggested that using the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer. And while no clear link to breast cancer has been established yet... the unclear part of that is good enough for us! There are many alternative health care practitioners that believe that the high levels of aluminum in the body may be the link to many diseases...
Parabens
Naturalcosmetics.com states that "parabens in their many forms (methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, or butylparaben) are a class of artificial preservatives widely used in cosmetics and personal care products that are being investigated for their possible role in breast cancer. Parabens mimic the activity of estrogen in the body. Since estrogen promotes the growth of breast cancer cells and a woman is eight times more likely to develop breast cancer in the part of the breast closest to the underarm, scientists are studying the connection".
Best All Natural Deodorants
Everyone's body is a little different, so finding the best natural deodorant for you may take some trial and error. However, in our experience - sprays works best! While some swear by the all natural salt rock deodorants, we haven't personally had too much success. And while there a couple natural stick deodorants out there that are close runners up, we stand by the sprays...
The Highend Fav
Steph swears by Weleda's Citrus Deodorant Spray. While it retails for $13 on Weleda's site, check out the great deals we found this week on Weleda spray! This 3.4 Fl. Oz bottle, is long lasting and is extremely effective and it comes in Rose or Sage scent as well. The Holy Grail Katherine Butler from EcoSalon.com calls Avalon Organics Grapefruit & Geranium Deodorant Spray her Holy Grail of deodorants. At $8.95 retail, this mid-range stink stopper is available online and at most health food stores that carry skincare products.
Best Roll-On
At just over $8 bucks, Miessence Roll-on Deodorant is our top pick for a natural, non-spray deodorant. Marketed to both the ladies and fellas, Miessence offers a variety of scents, including a scent free option - all petrochemical and aluminum free!
Best Easy to Find
Owned by Clorox, Burt's Bees $8 Herbal Deodorant is a natural brand that is more widely available in stores across the country. Although we personally have not tried their sage scented chemical free spray, we're certainly planning on it!
While Arm & Hammer makes a slew of chemical filled antiperspirants and scented deodorants, they also make a natural solid stick option - their Unscented Essential Natural Deodorant. Made from baking soda and natural plant extracts, Essentials does not contain aluminum, parabens, colorants or animal-derived ingredients. And at about $2 a stick online, it's definitely the cheapest alternative out there! For the truly frugal, you can also dust a little Arm & Hammer baking soda under your arms to control wetness and odor. *And while some baking sodas do contain aluminum, we called Church & Dwight directly to confirm that Arm & Hammer baking soda is aluminum free!
Homemade Deodorant Recipes
5-6 Tbsp Coconut oil
1 /4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
Click here for the full instructions! Basic Liquid Deodorant By Care2.com
1/4 cup each witch hazel extract, aloe vera gel, and mineral water
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
A few drops antibacterial essential oils such as lavender (optional)
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to blend. Makes 3/4 cup. Shelf life: Indefinite!
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